Re: Neurontin (Gabapentin)

[Guest guest]

Welcome back, Sharon!

This is disturbing, to say the least. Information on this drug is of

interest to our group since we have several members who have taken or do

take Neurontin (gabapentin) or may be prescribed it in the future. Do I

understand from this that you aren't using it? Did you show your

rheumatologist this information?

I tried the link you sent, but it wasn't working for me. I did have

success at:

http://www.citizen.org/eletter/articles/neurontin.htm

Why do the rheumatologists say they believe that it isn't RA? What

diagnosis(es) do they give you? Why does the other physician say it is

RA? That's some family history. What relation are the five members to

you? Nosy, aren't I?

Glad you enjoyed your trip. It sounds like great fun. I bet you saw some

beautiful sights.

[ ] Neurontin (Gabapentin)

>

> Hello all,

>

> I am back with the group after visiting friends in Oregon. It was a

great trip by train, my first ride, and it was fantastic. Although I was

exhausted when I arrived it was a smooth ride and did not jar my body

as I thought it might. I had to rest for several hours after arriving

but it was worth the trip!

>

> I wanted to share where I am with treatment and what I have found out

about a drug called Neurontin (A drug for seizures) give to me by my

Rheumy for Pain. Rheumy number 2. While looking on the net for it's side

effects I ran across a Citizen's Alert Letter; Neurontin

(Gabapentin)--The Illegal Corporate Creation of a Blockbuster Drug. This

article ran in The New York Times on March 14 2002.

>

> INeurontin illegally promoted the drug to prescribing physicians for

at least 11 " Off-label " (unapproved) medical conditions, using their own

employees, euphemistically called " medical liaisons " . Many of the bases

for the safety and effectiveness of gabapentin for these 11 unapproved

uses appears to have been fabricaitons by the corporation. This included

paying physicians to appear as the authors of medical journal articles

on unapproved uses for gabapentin when the articles had actually been

written by others working under the direction of the company's marketing

department.

>

> This artical is based on the Times story and Publicly available court

documents from a civil complaint filed by the US. government against

gabapentin's manufacturer; Park-, a subsidiary of Warner-Lambert

which in turn was a corporation acquired by Pfizer, Inc. in 2000.

>

> The 11 illegally promoted unaproved uses for gabapentin as outlined by

the court documents are;

>

> 1. Bipolar Disorder, 2, Pain Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy and

Diabetic Neuropathy. 3 Treatment of Epilepsy alone (as monotherapy).4.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). 5. Attention Deficit Disorder. 6.

Restless Leg syndrome. 7. Trigeminal Neuralgia. 8. Post Hepatic

Neuralgia. 9. Essential Tremor Periodic Limb Movement., 10 Migraine. 11.

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures.

>

> No evidence existed to support thes claims. The data were purely

anecdotal and most case reports were either created or sponsored by

Parke-.

>

> You can read the article at;

http://www.citizen.org/Illetter/articles/neurontin.htm

>

> I have had problems with pain and swelling in my joints for six years

now. In June of 2002 I had to quit my job because doing the long hours

was not an option anymore. I am currently taking 400 mg of Celebrex per

day, folic acid, calcium, zoloft.

>

> I have 5 family members already on disability from RA.

>

> Two Rhuemys say I dont have RA, and my MD says I do. So this is the

spot I am in and readjust my life accordingly has not been an easy task.

>

> I all of you have days of sunshine and warmth, without the pain.

>

> Sharon

>

> Seattle WA.

[Guest guest]

;

I take 2700mg a day, 3 X 3. and that's ok for me. Is your hubby a 'large' man?

I am heavy and tall, 460 lbs and 6'5 " . Does it make him sleep alot?

Dennis

[Guest guest]

,

Hi- I take 4800mg a day and have been doing this for over a year. This along

with Suboxone have brought my pain level to a zero.

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for sharing your information. What was your pain level

before you started taking these two meds? I am so worried that my

husband will pickle his liver with all the pain meds he is taking. He

was taking 7-8 Lortab 10 a day. The Neurotin is helping, but he does

go up sometimes! Thanks for giving me your information!